Little Bevan celebrates the 10th anniversary of its Pimlico boutique this autumn and, it has become internationally known for its exceptional London-designed and made special occasion outfits. Founder and designer Sarah Colfer explains how her dream outfits for bridesmaids, flowergirls and page boys are created
Additional photos: Kate Nielen Photography
Little Bevan started out as a home business in 2004, creating couture special occasion outfits. Then business mushroomed and three years on we moved into our Pimlico shop. We remain a small team – my sister is still my business partner – and we are a family business. When we were children my sister and I were always making things and playing shop, so this has always felt like a fun extension of that.
Designing for children – although we do babies right up to adults – is a subject close to my heart. I’m particularly inspired by the great portrait artists of the 17th to 19th century, and like to think Little Bevan designs have a timeless quality that will always make them treasured.
“As children my sister and I were always making things or playing shop, so Little Bevan has always felt like a fun extension of that”
We get whole families visiting to choose that special gown for a family occasion so we try to make the whole atmosphere as memorable as possible. It should be fun for children – like dressing up – so I’m very careful to talk directly to them and ensure they are happy. Tweenies and teens can be very self-conscious, especially if they are trying on a sample, so it’s all about explaining how it will fit perfectly and feel right, so that they don’t feel awkward.
As a business, it’s important to stay up to date and although we have a physical shop we also work online and our customers are from around the world. Everything is made to order – whether customers order virtually or visit in person – and we take great care in the processes of ensuring perfect fit.
We work with some amazing suppliers and love the creativity of finding a special fabric. Recently we created two special commissions where we designed the cloth to match a client’s ideas, and that was such an exciting creative process. We like to think we are providing the personal service and the imaginative designs that help people’s dreams for special occasions come true.
About Little Bevan
Little Bevan is located at 53 Moreton Street, SW1, a short distance from Pimlico and Victoria stations. The store is open 10am-5pm Mon-Sat, where you can view samples and try on gowns. A private appointment area is also located in the store. For information and appointments, contact 020 7821 9499; littlebevan.co.uk
